Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia)

The Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia) is the largest tern species, known for its striking appearance and powerful flight. As a rare visitor to Montreal, it can be easily mistaken for the smaller Common Tern, but its larger size and uniformly red beak set it apart.

🇫🇷	Sterne caspienne
🇩🇪	Raubseeschwalbe
🇲🇽	Pagaza piquirroja

Taxonomy

Order	Charadriiformes
Family	Laridae

ID and Whereabouts

Unlike the Common Tern, the Caspian Tern's beak is uniformly red, lacking a black tip. This bird is notably larger, and its flight is less erratic and slower as it gracefully sails over the water in search of prey.

I observed this species only once at Parc des Rapides.

Characteristics

Length	48-60cm
Weight	530-782g
Wingspan	127-145cm
Clutch Size	1-3 eggs
Incubation	25-28 days
Fledging	35-45 days
Sexual Maturity	2-3 years

Explore More

📖 For more information about this species: Wikipedia Page